Derek Jayson Rusch, Founder
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Derek Jayson Rusch founded Insightful Collaborative in 2019, leveraging his over two decades of experience in the Commercial Interiors industry to establish this innovative initiative. The company is committed to amplifying diverse voices across industries, with a specific focus on the commercial real estate sector. Insightful Collaborative aims to highlight narratives that celebrate and support underrepresented groups, including Women, People of Color, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Under Derek’s strategic leadership, Insightful Collaborative integrates these rich perspectives into the broader industry discourse, emphasizing the diverse and vibrant experiences that members of these communities bring. The initiative illuminates their challenges, triumphs, and significant contributions to various aspects of society. This mission aligns with Derek’s reputation for strong client relationship-building skills and his talent for pioneering innovative projects.
In addition to his work with Insightful Collaborative, Derek serves as Vice President of Signature Events for the IIDA SW Chapter and as an Executive Board Member for SMCDT. Through these diverse roles, he continues to channel his creativity and extensive industry knowledge to engage, inspire, and foster a more inclusive and collaborative business environment.
In his current capacity with Infinium Walls, Derek Jayson Rusch plays a pivotal role in establishing national distribution channels in major markets and cultivating valuable relationships with both existing and prospective clients. Through these endeavors, he continues to shape the industry’s future.
Steph Smothers, Director
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Steph generates and leads Sterling Bay’s creative vision through a national portfolio of corporate workplace, residential, hospitality-focused, and branded environments. She also manages the firm’s external consultants and interior design teams. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Steph worked as a Senior Interior Designer for a boutique Chicago design practice. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University and is NCIDQ licensed. Steph is a committee member of Insightful Collaborative, a council that promotes and provides mentorship for women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ in the design and CRE community. She also serves as a member of Sterling Bay’s Inclusion Council, IIDA’s Chicago Chapter, and Professional Women in Construction Chicago Chapter, and volunteers for Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids.
Mel Chotiner, Advisory Council
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Mel is an interior designer with more than 22 years of experience delivering creative solutions, nurturing client relationships, and leading collaborative teams through the design process. Her expertise spans corporate offices, branding, and repositioning projects. With her strong technical skills and knowledge, as well as project management experience, her teams enjoy her leadership as an energetic and highly efficient collaborator.
Meena Krenek , Advisory Council
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Meena Krenek is Director of Venues Interiors and a Principal at HKS. She excels in experiential design that tells a story, provokes a feeling, and encourages the end user to embark on a unique brand experience. Meena’s design leadership fosters innovative thinking and has been recognized in top publications such as the New York Times, Psychology Today and Monocle on Design.
Ferd Dimailig, Advisory Council
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Ferdinand Dimailig is a founding principal of Box Studios Chicago. Ferdinand has over 30 years of experience in the fields of architecture and interior design, with a focus on creating sustainable environments that are both functional and unique. Ferdinand is dedicated to designing spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and wellness while being mindful of project budgets. He holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has taught various higher educational design classes at colleges in Chicago. Ferdinand is committed to creating meaningful, lasting relationships, and prides himself on providing impeccable service to his clients. When he is not working, Ferdinand has a variety of interests including all types of food, visual & performing arts, and museums. He is also a huge Chicago sports fan and junkie.
Smita Sahoo, Advisory Council
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Smita Sahoo is Owner, Founder and Creative Director of āśaya | DESIGN, a Chicago based luxury interior design and architecture firm, with nearly 20 years of expertise specializing in multifamily residential, commercial and hospitality design.
Leonora Georgeoglou , Advisory Council
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Leonora Georgeoglou is a National Workplace Sector Leader at HED. In her more than 20 years in the A/E industry, her career has ranged from overseeing the technical details of multi-floor office high-rises to leading executive and facilities teams through visioning sessions for hundreds of millions of dollars in design work. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong reputation for leadership, research, and advocacy for the advancement of architecture as a discipline, as well as for valuing sustainable, responsible solutions that respect client needs and the environment.
Libby Gillen , Advisory Council
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Libby Gillen’s early love of fine arts led her to pursue an interior design degree from Syracuse University. She began her career as a designer at John Hancock headquarters, and then served in several top firms between Boston and Chicago. Moving to the manufacturing side with Tarkett, she spent 13 years as an account executive in both Chicago and Austin, before being appointed vice president of architecture and design.
Currently, Libby’s new position of Vice President, Design for Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering, uses her design, marketing, and networking skills to connect and consult with the Giants of the commercial architectural and Design community. She drives business development strategy for the sales representatives in providing the best textile and wallcovering solutions for commercial clients. As a member of professional organizations such as IIDA, NOMA and Dignity in Design, Libby’s values and beliefs drive her pursuit of continuing education and service to the industry.
